Top 10: The Fastest Accelerating Hot Hatches (on sale)

June 6, 20182469 Views

Specifications are not always the most important factor of buying a car but the classic 0-100 km/h acceleration time has always been a benchmark for hot hatches. For our first top-10 feature, we prepared a list with the fastest accelerating hot hatches that are currently on sale. For more information and detailed specs, click on the name of each model:

The newest car on the list is the Renault Megane IV RS launched in 2017. The french hot hatch is fitted with a new 1.8 liter TCE turbocharged engine producing 205 kw (280 hp) of power and 390 Nm of torque, combined with a 7-speedEDC gearbox (0r a 6-speed manual) and an electronically-controlled torque distribution system, allowing a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5,8 seconds. We are sure that the more powerful “Trophy” version that will launch in the following months is going to get a higher place on the list with slightly better acceleration figures.

The facelifted Leon Cupra 300 launched in 2017 introducing a number of updates over its predecessors. The car is fitted with the 2.0 TSI engine producing 300 hp (221 kw) of power and 380 Nm of torque, combined with a 7 speed DSGgearbox and a front axle differential lock, allowing the FWD car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5,7 seconds.

The mighty Civic Type R (FK8) launched in 2017 is the fastest FWD car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife (7:43.80) so it should get a place in our list. The 2.0 liter VTEC turbo engine, produces 228 kw (310 hp) of power and 400 Nm of torque, combined with a 6 speed manual transmission and a helical limited-slip differential (LSD) in the front axle, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 5,7 seconds.

Another Cupra model on the list, but this time it’s the top of the range, limited edition, Seat Leon MK3 Cupra R launched in 2017. The 2.0 TSI engine (the same that is fitted on 4/10 cars of our list) produces 228 kw (310 hp) of power and 380 Nm of torque, combined with a 6 speed manual transmission and a self locking differential, allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 5,5 seconds which is an impressive number for a FWD car.

The Ford Focus RS MK3 launched in 2015, is approaching the end of its life-cycle, however it still retains its place among the top hot hatches on sale. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine produces 257 kw (345hp) and 470Nm of torque, combined with a 6 speed manual transmission and a sophisticated All Wheel Drive system. With the launch control activated, the car catapults from 0-100km/h in 4,7 seconds, which lands it to the sixth place of our list.

The facelifted third generation of the Audi S3 launched in 2016, might not be the fastest model of the A3 range but offers descent amount of power. The 2.0 TFSI engine produces 228 kw (310 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, combined with a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4,7 seconds.

The VW Golf VII R (facelift) launched in 2017 is one of the most popular – and fastest – hot hatches of our time. The 2.0 liter TSI engine produces 228 kw (310 hp) of power and 400 Nm of torque, combined with the 7 speed DSG transmission and a Haldex based 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. That configuration allows a 0-100 km/h time of 4,6 seconds, taking it to the fourth place of our list.

The BMW M140i is fitted with a straight six, 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo engine tuned by BMW M division to produce 250 kw (340 hp) and 500 Nm of torque which is an all time record number for hot hatches. The base version offers rear wheel drive but the fastest accelerating model is the XDrive (AWD) combined with the 8 speed Steptronic Sport transmission, offering a 0-100 km/h time of 4,4 seconds.

The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class might be already on sale with the fastest AMG version almost ready to be unveiled, but the current model – the Mercedes-AMG A45 W176 (facelift) launched back in 2015 is still the second fastest accelerating hot hatch on the market. The car completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4,2 seconds thanks to the AMG tuned turborcharged 2.0 liter engine producing 280 kw (380 hp) of power and 475 Nm of torque, combined with a 7 speed automatic gearbox and an all wheel drive system. It is safe to say that the successor of this model might be the fastest one of all if it manages to beat the next car on the list…

And the crown for the fastest accelerating hot hatchback goes to the facelifted Audi RS3 Sportback, launched in 2017. The record fast 0-100 km/h time of just 4,1 seconds is achievable thanks to the most powerful five cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine in the world that produces 294 kw (400 hp) and 480 Nm of torque, combined with a 7 speed DSG gearbox and the Quattro all wheel drive system.